2008 Chevy Malibu Makes the Grade

When Chevrolet set out to redesign the Malibu,
the automaker established a huge goal for the languishing vehicle:
According to General Motors Vehicle Line Executive Dave Whittaker, "we
were challenged to raise the bar on ourselves and create a world-class
car that could rival the imports." This was an enormous goal,
especially considering that many of the buyers Chevrolet was seeking to
woo haden't stepped into a domestic dealership in more than a decade.

At
the time of its release, Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper proclaimed,
"The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet's midsize car strategy, offering a
stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular
competitors." Peper proudly announced "We know the competition is very
good, and this new Malibu has the goods - both tangible and intangible
- to assert a leadership position in the segment and re-affirm
Chevrolet's commitment to expressive cars."

Six months after its launch, it appears that Chevrolet has been quite
successful in meeting these goals. And why not? The new 2008 Malibu
features a refined and contemporary exterior; a spacious, upscale and
quiet interior; and with a variety of trim levels and powertrains that
can suit the needs of any buyer. Additionally, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the new Malibu five-star
safety ratings all around, while the Insurance Institute of Highway
Safety honored it with its highest safety rating as well.

With all these excellent features, it's easy to account for the new
Malibu's success, especially when measured using these important
landmarks:
In
the month of September 2007, 100 dealers across the nation hadn't sold
even ONE Malibu; those same dealers sold more than 40 during April
2008. That's an incredible feat to jump to more than one vehicle sold
per day!
* Sales of the Malibu in California have increased 186%, and 51% of those buyers were conquests over other brands.
* Sales of the Malibu have increased 125% in other key markets
*
The average transaction price has increased by $4000! That's up from
$16,800 for the previous model to $20,800 to the current model, which
means that Chevrolet is making more sales at higher prices, to a
higher-level buyer. Way to go, Chevy!

And get this: According
to Peper, "the new Malibus are selling faster than we can put them on
dealers' lots." Chevrolet estimated it would need to ship approximately
85,000 units, but dealers have requested nearly 200,000 units. That's
awesome!

According to Chevrolet Malibu marketing manager Mike Weidman, this was
the most researched vehicle (from a consumer level) of any vehicle
launch, ever made by General Motors. The advertising campaign
was highlighted by enormous media pushes that saturated television and
internet outlets on three dates, virtually ensuring that the Malibu was
truly a car that nobody could miss. Additionally, specialized campaigns
with Conde Nast targeted nine women's magazines through focused
advertising, mall tours, sweepstakes, and "Malibutique" shopping
experiences to help present the vehicle specifically to women.
Awesome! Brand awareness has been so high that more than 10 million
visitors have come to the http://www.chevrolet.com/malibu/ website, and traffic at http://www.chevrolet.com/ has increased by nearly 50%.

In
case you somehow missed the media and advertising barrage, the Malibu
is available with an entry-level price of just about $20,300 and a
top-of-the-line price around $27,750; engine choices include a
2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V-6 cylinder, and a
hybrid-electric combination. Chevrolet has recently made the six-speed
automatic available to both engines, making the Malibu the only
four-cylinder/six-speed automatic combination in the segment. And
Malibu is offered in several well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ
- all with standard head-curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax
air bags, OnStar Gen 7 with remote diagnostics, and XM Satellite Radio
- ensuring that buyers can choose a vehicle that best suits their
needs. According to Peper. "There is more style and content on the new
Malibu than any other competitor in the segment."

It looks like
the new Malibu has met its challenge, and has become the success story
that Chevolet was hoping to achieve. Congratulations, Chevy!